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The Moorabool News – 30 November, 2021 Page 5
Page 20 The Moorabool News – 7 July, 2020
Protestors see red By Lachlan Ellis There was a sign people are not happy about the overhead transmission line project last week, actually, lots of signs. Last Tuesday marked the launch of a new CFA training centre for emergency service workers, but the first thing most attendees saw was not the facility, nor those who will be using it. The bright red shirts and signs of around 50 members of the ‘Stop AusNet’s Towers’ protest group were an eye-catching sight, with the group gathering for a protest on either side of Ingliston Rd, Ballan. A front-end loader, a tractor, and other farm equipment was parked on the side of the road near the new Central Highlands Volunteer Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC), with ‘Stop AusNet’s Towers’ and ‘Say No To Dans’ High Voltage Towers’ signs hanging off them. The protestors hoped to speak with Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes, and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, who both attended the opening ceremony. However, Ms Symes and Ms Settle did not use the front entrance where the group gathered, they arrived through the back gate on Kerrins Lane. Spokesperson for Stop AusNet’s Towers, Emma Muir, said the group was frustrated at
not being able to speak with the politicians, but was still happy with how the protest went. “We thought it was a good opportunity to get the attention of the Government and get our message across that, quite ironically, you’re opening a new facility to help fight fires, yet you’re quite happy with a project that provides an additional fire risk to our communities, by building overhead power lines,” Ms Muir told the Moorabool News. “We were sincerely disappointed that the Minister and our local Member, chose to enter via the back entrance. We are in no way a threat, police were there, and we were open with what we were doing. It was a peaceful gathering,” she said. “We had some terrific supporters and the community backing us. It highlighted to the Minister and the Government that they do need to come out and speak to us, and hear the community’s concerns.” CFA Chief Jason Heffernan was asked at the official opening about the protestors and said his priority was to “open this facility and demonstrate and share the benefits the facility will bring to volunteers”. “Transmission lines are one thing we have known previously to start fires, along with everything from lightning and the like. I know our power companies are doing everything to prevent that,” he said.
Stop AusNet’s Towers have two remaining community information sessions for all to attend: Springbank – Wednesday 1 December, 6.30pm at Wallace Recreation Reserve Melton – Tuesday 7 December, 7pm, - Melton Community Hall
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